NFL Orders Teams to Show Fantasy Football Stats on Scoreboards at Stadiums

Still not convinced that fantasy football has taken over the universe? Here at LBS we have spent a lot of time over the past few weeks bringing you hardcore fantasy analysis, and that is because people crave it. Fantasy football is an addiction — one that has turned a sport that we already obsess over into an even more important aspect of our lives.

The NFL understands how popular fantasy football has become this decade, and while it has contributed to increased interest in the league there is also some concern that it — along with high definition TV, NFL Sunday Ticket, and advanced home theater — could make fans want to stay home on game day. That is why the NFL has mandated that all teams must show individual player fantasy statistics on stadium scoreboards this season.

“The reason is simple,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told the USA Today. “In today’s struggling economy, the NFL is worried fans will watch games free at home rather (than) shelling out cash for tickets, parking, food, and beer at stadiums. We know we have to continue to do more to keep fans coming to our games. We’re looking at ways to further replicate the at-home experience in the stadium.”

People can always track stats on their phones, so I doubt wondering how your fantasy football team is doing would be enough to keep a person home. Still, the NFL is obviously worried about where technology is heading. With the way ticket and concession prices are climbing and the in-home experience is improving, they have every reason to be.